Exploring the StarCraft 2 Collector’s Edition in pictures

We have our copy of the StarCraft 2 Collector's Edition, and we're going to …

While we won't be able to play until the servers go live, our copy of the StarCraft 2 Collector's Edition has arrived. This version of the game will cost $100, which is $40 more than the standard game. It comes packed with a ton of extras, both real and virtual. We're going to give you a look at what comes in the box to let you know if we think it's worth the extra cost.

The box itself is heavy cardboard, and the picture we snapped shows how it looks when partially opened: the metal-looking "teeth" come apart to show you what's inside. The presentation is wonderful, although it can be somewhat tricky to put back together. We didn't take a picture of the game case, extra DVD, or soundtrack CD simply because they look exactly how you'd expect them to look like. Also, the track listing on the CD has what could be considered spoilers.

The bonus DVD comes with a feature about the in-game cinematics, and includes designer interviews, artist interviews, and a StarCraft retrospective. It also has over 13 minutes of cut-scenes and 32 minutes of in-game "story mode" scenes. The disc warns you very strongly that you're going to see spoilers if you watch the content, so play the single-player game first. There is some interesting stuff here if you're not familiar with the history of the first game, and many of the tidbits will be fascinating for fans. For instance, did you know the first build of StarCraft was so badly received at the 1996 E3 that the game stations were all switched to Diablo?

Let's take a look at what else comes in the package.

The art book is a 176-page hardcover with a glossy dust jacket, filled with beautiful art from the game's development. Outside of the foreword by Samwise Didier, Blizzard's Senior Art Director, there is no text. The pages are heavy, glossy, and look great to page through, making this a treat for fans.

An example of the artwork found in the book.

Someone in comments asked for some idea of the size of the art book. This is the back cover of the book without the dust jacket, next to the DVD case containing the game.

You're given four guest passes. Two will give your friends seven hours worth of in-game play in StarCraft 2, and two give 10 days of free play for World of WarCraft.

Raynor's dog tag isn't plastic; this thing is big and heavy. It also comes loaded with a copy of both StarCraft and Brood Wars for the PC and Mac. Plug it into your system and both the face and the blue tab on top glow. Blizzard could have cheaped out here, but this is a pretty cool collectible. If you don't care about the game, this can also work as a standard 2GB USB stick.

Issue 0 of the StarCraft comic book featuring the War Pigs, elite Marines that will be playable in StarCraft 2.

This isn't all you get in the package: there will be exclusive downloadable Battle.net content such as avatar portraits and an exclusive version of the in-game "Thor" unit. If you're a World of WarCraft player, you get a baby Thor as a pet, so you can explore Azeroth with a cute StarCraft 2 unit at your side. This pet can be used by every character on a single WoW account.

So is it worth it?

You're going to have to filter the following statement through the fact that I'm a huge StarCraft fan, but going through the videos, reading the comic book, paging through the art book, and now listening to the music CD has been a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. I lost the discs and key to my original copy of StarCraft a very long time ago, so I'm looking forward to revisiting that game through the included copy.

Nothing in this collection is cheap, but it certainly doesn't feel like a money grab. This is interesting stuff that gives you a better understanding of the game, the world Blizzard has created, and what went on behind the scenes. Assuming you were interested in the game at $60—although I've already seen it on sale for as low as $45—you definitely get an extra $40 worth of value out of this package.